Astro-Tech uses premium Ohara glass, including an FPL-53 element, and state-of-the-art optical multi-coatings in the apochromatic ED doublet optics of the AT80LE. This results in images that are essentially totally free of the annoying halo of unfocused violet light (chromatic aberration) that mars the bright-object images in lesser FPL-51 doublet scopes. It is free of spurious colour despite the fast focal ratio, and even at very high magnifications, both problems which are apparent in lesser scopes.

• ED apochromatic doublet refractor optics: 80mm (3.1") aperture, 480mm focal length, f/6 focal ratio doublet optical system using an FPL-53 ED (Extra-low Dispersion glass) element to reduce spurious colour halos and fringing to vanishingly low levels. Both lens elements are precision ground and polished under computer control from the finest quality Ohara glass. Ohara is well-known as Japan’s premier manufacturer of specialized optical glass.
• Fully multicoated optics: State-of-the-art anti-reflection multi-coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces for high light transmission and excellent contrast. This can easily be seen by looking into the objective lens of the scope. Virtually no reflection will be seen. It’s a sure sign that the high transmission coatings are doing their job, by letting virtually all the light enter the scope, rather than reflecting some light back.
• Collimatable lens cell: The push-pull lens cell is fully collimatable in the field for peak performance. A simple optional Cheshire eyepiece and your own eyes are all you need. Alternatively you can use an artificial star during the day.
• Internal light baffles: Two contrast-enhancing internal knife-edge light baffles, a glare-reducing baffle at the front of the dew shield, and a specially darkened tube interior provide truly dark sky backgrounds and high terrestrial contrast.
• Tube finish: The tube is made of multiple layers of high strength woven carbon fibre cloth encapsulated in a transparent high gloss epoxy. This weighs 1.5 pounds less than the AT 80mm F7 aluminium tube and is exceptionally strong. The herringbone weave of the carbon fibre cloth is visible through its clear epoxy coating. The carbon fibre cloth is laid down by hand so a subtle seam along the length of the tube is typically visible where the edges of the weave cloth meet. The retractable carbon fibre dew shield slows dew formation on the lens to extend observing time. It also improves contrast, similar to a camera lens shade when observing during the day or where there's glare at night such as a neighbour's backyard security light. The carbon fibre tube and dew shield have excellent thermal characteristics. The dew shield is oversized, with a 124mm OD compared to the 80mm lens diameter and 90mm tube diameter for better heat dispersal. Recommended accessories are the 4" Kendrick Dew Heater code: 2008-FF or 2008-FL (depending on your Dew Controller type), and the Kendrick #6006-C Baader Solar Filter for safe high resolution solar observation.
• Dual speed micro fine 2" Crayford-style focuser: The precision-made no-backlash focuser allows precise focusing essential for astro-photography. There are two coarse focusing knobs. The right knob also has a smaller concentric knob with 10:1 reduction gear micro fine focusing ratio. A knob underneath the focuser lets you adjust the tension on the drawtube to accommodate varying eyepiece/photo accessory loads, while a second knob firmly locks in your photographic focus.
• Long focuser travel: The 74mm (2.9") travel focuser drawtube helps keep the overall scope length as short as practicable for convenient travel and storage. The tube measures only a very compact 15.5" long with the dew shield retracted (and a still-short 18.75" long with it extended). The drawtube has a scale marked in centimetres subdivided in 1mm increments and in inches subdivided in 1/16th inch increments. This lets you note individual focuser positions for easy return to the correct focus when switching between visual use and photography. A lock knob underneath the focuser lets you lock in your photographic focus.
• Mounting rings: The AT80LE has two 90mm felt-lined hinged split mounting rings to allow you to install the scope on any of a number of German equatorial mounts directly, or on a telescope mount dovetail plate, such as one of those from Losmandy or Vixen. The rings are drilled and tapped with 1/4"-20 thread holes on the top as well as the bottom so you can mount an accessory plate on top of the AT80LE.
• Finder scope mounting holes: There are two holes drilled and tapped in the focuser at the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions. These allow the installation of an optional red dot finder, such as the Astro-Tech #ATF illuminated multiple reticule finder, on the most comfortable side of the scope for the way you view. The holes are sealed by screws if no finder is installed, to prevent the entrance of dust into the focuser.
• Shipping/storage case: The scope comes in a locking 20" x 7.5" x 9" aluminium-frame foam-lined hard case with carry handle.

  PS: You get a discount of 10% on ANY Kendrick Dew Control System accessory if bought in the same order! We will apply this when charging your card before shipping.